Parents of autistic NJ teen sue so he can play on

BRICK, N.J. (AP) — The parents of an autistic teenager are suing New Jersey's high school sports governing body, saying his civil rights were violated when he was due a fifth year of eligibility.

The parents of Anthony Starego attribute much of his academic and social progress over the last four years to being a member of the Brick High football team.

In a federal court filing first reported by the Asbury Park Press (http://on.app.com/12jUQU3 ), the family says the starting placekicker is entitled to play another year because he functions academically like a 10-year old.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association last month denied him further eligibility because he'll be 19 and has played four years.

The group says the lawsuit is premature because the matter is before the state's education commissioner.